Head of Engineering at AltGen South Africa

Role Overview

The Head of Engineering is responsible for leading the full engineering function across a multi-disciplinary energy and infrastructure business, including:

• Diesel generator supply and assembly
• Hybrid energy systems (solar PV, BESS, backup power)
• Infrastructure and integrated power solutions
• The role carries accountability for engineering operations, delivery performance, and technical execution, while acting as the senior technical interface for key clients and strategic projects.
• A key focus of the role will be involvement in a high-growth business unit within the group, where the successful candidate will play a central role in scaling engineering capability, improving delivery structures, and supporting continued expansion.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership

• Set and implement engineering direction across all business units
• Align generator, hybrid energy, and infrastructure engineering teams under a single operating model
• Establish consistent engineering processes, tools, and standards

Operations Oversight

• Take ownership of engineering-related operations, including:
• Electrical system design and engineering
• Project execution through to commissioning
• Assembly and integration of generator and hybrid systems
• Ensure delivery against programme, cost, and quality requirements
• Drive improvements in efficiency, execution, and technical output

Generator & Power Systems

• Lead engineering for diesel generator product lines and power solutions
• Oversee integration of generators into hybrid systems and backup applications
• Ensure reliability, performance, and cost control across all power system designs

Client Engagement

• Act as the lead technical authority in engagements with key clients
• Support complex proposals, tenders, and solution development
• Present engineering solutions and provide technical assurance at senior level

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop engineering teams across electrical and project engineering disciplines
• Build capability through structured development and mentorship
• Drive accountability and performance across teams

Technical Governance

• Maintain engineering standards, QA/QC, and compliance frameworks
• Ensure adherence to applicable codes, regulations, and safety requirements
• Standardise designs and documentation across the business

Commercial Alignment

• Support commercial teams with technical input on pricing, design, and risk
• Contribute to margin improvement through engineering decisions
• Work with procurement on specifications and supplier selection

Key Requirements

Education

• BEng / BSc in Electrical Engineering
• Professional registration (PrEng preferred)

Experience

• 10–15+ years in electrical engineering within power generation, energy systems, or EPC environments
• Strong experience with diesel generators and hybrid power systems
• Track record of leading engineering teams and delivering projects

Core Competencies

• Strong technical understanding of power systems and integration
• Ability to manage engineering operations and delivery
• Commercial awareness (costs, margins, bids)
• Leadership across multiple teams and functions
• Confident in client-facing technical discussions

Key KPIs

• Delivery against time, cost, and quality targets
• Engineering contribution to project margins
• System performance and reliability
• Team output and retention
• Reduction in design and execution inefficiencies
• Client satisfaction and repeat work